Low emissions lithium processing project gets underway

Low emissions technology developer Calix has announced that the Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant Project which aims to demonstrate sustainable lithium processing utilising renewable power has begun construction.

The project, a joint venture with Pilbara Minerals at their Pilgangoora Project, moved into the construction phase in the June Quarter 2024, according to a statement.

The project aims to produce low-carbon energy intensity lithium salt.

“The project is progressing on time and within budget, with commissioning due to commence in the March Quarter 2025 and the first lithium salt production targeted for the June Quarter 2025.”

The refining plant has a full production capacity of more than 3,000 tonnes per year of concentrated lithium-phosphate salt product from a feedstock of around 27,000 tonnes per year of spodumene – including lower grade fine spodumene concentrate.

Major progress to date:

• Bulk earthworks at Pilbara Minerals' Pilgangoora site are complete with the site now ready for concrete and detailed earthworks
• Preferred contractors have been selected and off-site fabrication of key equipment is well underway, including the Calix electric calciner and structural steel modules
• And many equipment packages are now being dispatched to the site.

Further reading:
Calix and Pilbara Minerals to trial lithium processing technology

Picture: Calix